Finance

UK watchdog probes Deloitte's audits of Glencore's 2013-2020 accounts

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on July 23, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 22, 2026

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UK watchdog probes Deloitte's audits of Glencore's 2013-2020 accounts
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(Reuters) -Britain's accounting watchdog on Wednesday said it was investigating Deloitte LLP's audits of Glencore and its division's statements for the financial years ended December 2013 to December

UK Watchdog Investigates Deloitte's Audits of Glencore's Financials

Investigation Overview

(Reuters) -Britain's accounting watchdog said on Wednesday that it is investigating Deloitte LLP's audits of commodities trader Glencore and one of its divisions for the financial years ended December 2013 through December 2020.

Deloitte's Audit Practices

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is examining whether Deloitte properly assessed the risk of legal and regulatory breaches during its audits.

Glencore's Legal Challenges

Glencore and its unit, Glencore Energy UK Limited, have faced extensive investigations by government agencies in recent years over allegations of bribery and corruption.

Deloitte's Response

The firm's former head of oil Alex Beard and five other ex-employees of the Swiss commodity trader will stand trial in a London court in 2027 on bribery charges.

"We are committed to the highest standards of audit quality and will fully co-operate with the Financial Reporting Council," a Deloitte UK spokesperson told Reuters.

Glencore declined to comment.

(Reporting by Yamini Kalia in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Lawrence White in London; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala, Sherry Jacob-Phillips and Louise Heavens)

Key Takeaways

  • The UK watchdog is investigating Deloitte's audits of Glencore.
  • The audits in question span from 2013 to 2020.
  • The investigation focuses on potential legal and regulatory breaches.
  • Glencore has faced bribery and corruption allegations.
  • Deloitte pledges full cooperation with the investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of the FRC's investigation?
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is examining whether Deloitte properly assessed the risk of legal and regulatory breaches during its audits.
What allegations has Glencore faced recently?
Glencore and its unit, Glencore Energy UK Limited, have faced extensive investigations by government agencies over allegations of bribery and corruption.
When will the trial for Glencore's former head of oil take place?
The firm's former head of oil, Alex Beard, along with five other ex-employees, will stand trial in a London court in 2027 on bribery charges.
How did Deloitte respond to the investigation?
A Deloitte UK spokesperson stated that they are committed to the highest standards of audit quality and will fully cooperate with the Financial Reporting Council.
Did Glencore provide a comment on the investigation?
Glencore declined to comment on the investigation.

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